The Imperial & Cultural Grandeur of Russia
A Journey from Moscow's Red Square to St. Petersburg's Canals
Trip Overview
This complete two-week itinerary immerses you in central Russia's two most iconic cities, with a look at into their imperial history, excellent art, and active contemporary culture. The journey begins in the powerful capital, Moscow, exploring the Kremlin, Red Square, and Soviet-era landmarks. You'll then travel by high-speed train to the elegant 'Venice of the North,' St. Petersburg, to marvel at the Hermitage, the Tsars' summer palaces, and its intricate network of canals. The pace is moderate, balancing headline sights with atmospheric neighborhood walks and cultural performances, offering a profound understanding of Russia's complex soul.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-250 per day (excluding international flights)
Best Seasons
Late May to September (White Nights in June), or December for festive markets
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Russia, History and architecture ensoiasts, Art lovers, Couples
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival in the Capital & Red Square Majesty
Arrive in Moscow, settle in, and experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral.
Morning
Arrival at Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo Airport
Complete customs and immigration. Take the Aeroexpress train to the city center (Belorussky or Paveletsky station) for a fast, reliable transfer. Check into your hotel in the Kitay-Gorod or Tverskoy district.
Book Aeroexpress tickets online in advance for a slight discount.
Lunch
Stolovaya No. 57 in GUM Department Store
Afternoon
Red Square & St. Basil's Cathedral
Walk onto the vast cobblestones of Red Square. Admire the Kremlin walls, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the GUM department store. Explore the iconic, candy-colored domes of St. Basil's Cathedral from inside, witnessing its unique chapels.
Buy tickets for St. Basil's at the entrance; lines are usually manageable.
Evening
Dinner and first impressions
Dinner at 'Shinok' for rustic Ukrainian-Russian cuisine in a farm-style setting, or a simpler meal at 'Moo-Moo' cafeteria.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitay-Gorod or Tverskoy District (Mid-range hotel (e.g., Ibis, Azimut))
Central location within walking distance of Red Square and excellent metro connectivity.
Visit Red Square after sunset to see St. Basil's and the Kremlin walls beautifully illuminated—it's less crowded and magical.
Day 1 Budget: $120
2
The Kremlin & Treasures of the Tsars
Look into the political and spiritual heart of Russia with a visit to the Kremlin and its Armoury Chamber.
Morning
Moscow Kremlin Grounds & Cathedrals
Enter through the Kutafya Tower. Explore Cathedral Square, visiting the Assumption, Archangel, and Annunciation Cathedrals—the coronation, burial, and private worship sites of the Tsars.
**Essential:** Purchase tickets online in advance on the Kremlin's official website to secure a timed entry slot.
Lunch
Bosco Cafe on Red Square (in GUM)
Afternoon
The Armoury Chamber
A separate ticket grants access to this impressive museum housing the Tsars' wealth: Fabergé eggs, coronation robes, carriages, thrones, and royal armor. It's a impressive display of imperial power and craftsmanship.
Book this ticket online simultaneously with your Kremlin entry; time slots sell out fast.
Evening
Relaxing evening walk
Stroll along the pedestrianized Nikolskaya Street, famous for its festive lights and university history. Dinner at 'Dr. Zhivago' for modern Russian cuisine with a Soviet-nostalgic twist.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitay-Gorod or Tverskoy District (Mid-range hotel)
Same base for convenience after a long day of sightseeing.
The Diamond Fund exhibition (separate ticket) inside the Armoury is worth it only for serious gemology ensoiasts; the Armoury itself is more than sufficient for most.
Day 2 Budget: $160
3
Metro Art & Soviet History
Tour Moscow's magnificent metro stations and confront the complex legacy of the Soviet era.
Morning
Moscow Metro Tour
Start a self-guided tour of the most beautiful stations. Must-sees include Komsomolskaya (chandeliers & mosaics), Mayakovskaya (art deco steel & sky mosaics), Novoslobodskaya (stained glass), and Elektrozavodskaya (bas-reliefs).
Buy a 'Troika' card for easy tap-and-go travel across all transport. Avoid rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM).
Lunch
Varenichnaya No. 1 on Arbat Street
Afternoon
VDNKh & Museum of Cosmonautics
Take the metro to VDNKh, a large Stalinist exhibition park with grandiose fountains and pavilions. Visit the excellent Museum of Cosmonautics next to the iconic 'Monument to the Conquerors of Space' rocket obelisk.
Combine a walk in the park with the museum. The park is free and impressive.
Evening
Dinner in the Arbat area
Explore the touristy but lively Old Arbat Street. For dinner, try 'Grabli' (The Rake) cafeteria for a huge variety of quality Russian dishes at a great price.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitay-Gorod or Tverskoy District (Mid-range hotel)
Maintaining a central base for efficient travel.
For a deeper dive into Soviet history, visit the Bunker-42 Cold War Museum (Taganskaya) or the Gulag History Museum. Both require advance booking.
Day 3 Budget: $100
4
Tretyakov & Tsaritsyno Palace
Spend time in Russian art and enjoy the fairytale architecture of a royal retreat.
Morning
Tretyakov Gallery
Visit the world's foremost collection of Russian art, from medieval icons (including Andrei Rublev's 'Trinity') to the 19th-century masterpieces of Repin, Surikov, and Vasnetsov in the historic Lavrushinsky Lane building.
Buy tickets online to skip the line, on weekends.
Lunch
The gallery's own cafe or a quick bite in the area.
Afternoon
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
Travel to the south of Moscow to this beautiful park and palace complex. Catherine the Great's whimsical Gothic-style palace, recently restored, sits amidst ponds, pavilions, and forests—perfect for a stroll.
The park is free; only the palace interiors require a ticket. A great escape from the city bustle.
Evening
Farewell to Moscow
Enjoy a final Moscow dinner. For a special experience, book a table at 'Turandot' on Tverskoy Boulevard for opulent, theatrical ambiance and Pan-Asian cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kitay-Gorod or Tverskoy District (Mid-range hotel)
Last night in Moscow before the train journey.
Visit the New Tretyakov Gallery at Krymsky Val if you are interested in 20th-century Russian avant-garde and Soviet art (including famous socialist realist works).
Day 4 Budget: $140
5
Sapsan to the Northern Capital
Travel to St. Petersburg
A comfortable high-speed train journey to St. Petersburg, followed by an introduction to its main avenue.
Morning
Travel to St. Petersburg via Sapsan
Check out of your hotel and take the metro to Leningradsky Railway Station. Board the modern Sapsan high-speed train for a scenic 4-hour journey through the Russian countryside to St. Petersburg.
**Essential:** Book Sapsan tickets on the official RZD website as early as possible (up to 90 days ahead) for the best prices.
Lunch
Onboard the Sapsan train
Afternoon
Check-in & Nevsky Prospect
Arrive at Moskovsky Railway Station in central St. Pete. Check into your hotel near Nevsky Prospect. Take a leisurely walk down this main artery, soaking in the 18th-century architecture, busy shops, and canals.
Evening
Evening on the canals
Dinner at 'Chekhov' restaurant for traditional Russian cuisine in a literary-themed setting. Then, take a short evening stroll along the Griboyedov Canal to see the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood illuminated.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect / Admiralteysky District (Mid-range hotel (e.g., Solo Sokos Hotel, Corinthia))
The most central location for exploring St. Petersburg's main sights on foot or by metro.
For a more local experience from the station, walk down Ligovsky Prospect to see the impressive Dostoevsky metro station and the recently renovated 'Gostiny Dvor' food hall.
Day 5 Budget: $180
6
The Hermitage & Winter Palace
A full day dedicated to one of the world's greatest art collections, housed in the magnificent Winter Palace.
Morning
The State Hermitage Museum
Enter as soon as it opens. Focus on the highlights: the grand Jordan Staircase, the opulent state rooms of the Winter Palace, and masterpieces by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and the Impressionists in the General Staff Building.
**Important:** Purchase tickets online with a timed entry slot from the official Hermitage website to avoid massive queues.
Lunch
Museum cafe or nearby 'Zoom Cafe' on Gorokhovaya Street
Afternoon
Palace Square & General Staff Building
Exit and stand in the vast Palace Square, imagining historic events. If energy permits, visit the Hermitage's modern art collections in the General Staff Building, featuring Matisse, Picasso, and Malevich.
The same online ticket often includes entry to the General Staff Building on the same day.
Evening
Cultural performance
Attend a excellent ballet or opera at the Mariinsky Theatre (New or Historic Stage). Alternatively, a more casual dinner at 'Teremok' for authentic Russian blini (pancakes).
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Close to the Hermitage and evening entertainment venues.
On Wednesday and Friday, the Hermitage is open until 9 PM. A late-afternoon entry can mean smaller crowds and a magical view of the palace rooms at dusk.
Day 6 Budget: $150
7
Peter & Paul Fortress & Vasilevsky Island
Explore the city's birthplace and its scholarly island, culminating in a view from St. Isaac's Cathedral.
Morning
Peter and Paul Fortress
Cross the Neva to Zayachy Island. Visit the fortress where St. Petersburg was founded. Explore the cathedral, the burial site of the Romanov Tsars from Peter the Great onward, and walk along the fortress walls.
Be on the grounds at noon to hear the daily cannon shot from the Naryshkin Bastion.
Lunch
Koryushka Restaurant near the fortress
Afternoon
Vasilevsky Island & Strelka
Walk to the Strelka (spit) of Vasilevsky Island for iconic views of the Winter Palace across the Neva. See the Rostral Columns and visit the fascinating Kunstkamera museum (Peter the Great's cabinet of curiosities).
The Kunstkamera is not for the faint-hearted; it contains anatomical oddities in jars.
Evening
St. Isaac's Cathedral Colonnade
Climb the 262 steps to the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral for a impressive 360-degree panoramic view of the city at sunset. Dinner at 'Mansarda' restaurant for rooftop views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Central for all activities.
Instead of the Kunstkamera, consider the nearby Menshikov Palace, a beautifully restored mansion of Peter the Great's right-hand man, offering a glimpse into early 18th-century aristocratic life.
Day 7 Budget: $140
8
Tsarskoye Selo: Catherine's Amber Room
Pushkin (suburb of St. Petersburg)
A day trip to the lavish summer residence of the Tsars, famous for its reconstructed Amber Room.
Morning
Travel to Pushkin & Catherine Palace
Take a suburban train (elektrichka) from Vitebsky Station or a marshrutka (minibus) to the town of Pushkin. Head straight to the Catherine Palace, the impressive blue-and-white Rococo masterpiece.
**Essential:** Book a timed entry ticket for the Catherine Palace online in advance. The Amber Room is inside.
Lunch
Podvorye Restaurant
Afternoon
Catherine Park
Spend the afternoon wandering the expansive, landscaped English and French gardens. See the Cameron Gallery, the Marble Bridge, and the Grotto pavilion. It's a serene and beautiful escape.
Evening
Return to the city
Return to St. Petersburg. For a relaxed evening, have dinner at 'Stroganoff Steak House' on Nevsky for a taste of the famous beef dish in elegant surroundings.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Returning to your familiar base.
If you have extra energy, visit the nearby Alexander Palace in Pushkin, the last Romanov family home, which has been extensively restored and has a more intimate, poignant historical experience.
Day 8 Budget: $160
9
Peterhof: The Fountains & Sea
Peterhof (suburb of St. Petersburg)
Experience the grandeur of Peter the Great's answer to Versailles, with its spectacular fountain park on the Gulf of Finland.
Morning
Hydrofoil to Peterhof
Take a scenic 40-minute hydrofoil (Meteor) from the pier near the Hermitage directly to the Lower Park of Peterhof. It arrives with a dramatic view of the Grand Cascade.
Hydrofoils operate from May to September. In offseason, take a marshrutka or train.
Lunch
Cafe in the park or at the ferry pier
Afternoon
Peterhof Lower Park & Grand Palace
Explore the vast Lower Park, following the Marine Canal to the Gulf. See the trick fountains like 'Adam & Eve' and 'The Chessboard Hill.' Visit the Grand Palace interior (separate ticket) for more opulent rooms.
The fountains operate from late April to mid-October. The park is the main attraction; the palace, while beautiful, is similar in style to Catherine Palace.
Evening
Return & local dinner
Return by hydrofoil or public transport. For dinner, try 'Yat' on Belinskogo Street, serving delicious and creative modern Russian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Continuity of accommodation.
The fountains are turned off in the late afternoon (around 5-6 PM). Plan to see them in the morning or early afternoon. The Monplaisir Palace by the sea is a more intimate and charming visit than the Grand Palace.
Day 9 Budget: $170
10
Dostoevsky's City & Russian Museum
Look into Russian fine art and literary history in a more relaxed day.
Morning
The Russian Museum
Housed in the magnificent Mikhailovsky Palace, this museum is dedicated solely to Russian art. Trace the evolution from medieval icons to the Wanderers, Symbolism, and the avant-garde in a less overwhelming setting than the Hermitage.
Tickets are easily available online or at the door; it's rarely as crowded as the Hermitage.
Lunch
Ukrop (Dill) on Griboyedov Canal
Afternoon
Dostoevsky's St. Petersburg
Walk to the Dostoevsky Literary-Memorial Museum at his last apartment, where he wrote 'The Brothers Karamazov.' Then, stroll through the nearby Vladimirskaya and Sennaya Ploshchad (Haymarket) areas, which feature prominently in 'Crime and Punishment.'
Audioguides are highly recommended for the Dostoevsky museum to understand the context.
Evening
Free evening exploration
Explore the trendy 'Dumskaya Ulitsa' area for its active bar scene, or enjoy a quiet dinner at 'Khochu Kharcho' for excellent Georgian cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Convenient for both museum districts.
Buy a combined ticket for the Russian Museum's main palace and the nearby Benois Wing (for 20th-century art) and Stroganov Palace on Nevsky.
Day 10 Budget: $120
11
Fabergé & Yusupov Palace
A day of beautiful jewels and infamous history.
Morning
Fabergé Museum
Visit the impressive Shuvalov Palace, now home to the world's best collection of Fabergé eggs, including the first and last Imperial eggs. The craftsmanship and luxury of the jewelry and objets d'art are impressive.
Book tickets online. The museum uses an excellent audioguide included in the price.
Lunch
Eliseyev Emporium Food Hall
Afternoon
Yusupov Palace on Moika
Tour this opulent aristocratic palace, famous as the site of Grigori Rasputin's murder in 1916. See the lavish private theater, the Rococo interiors, and the historical exhibition in the basement dedicated to the event.
The Rasputin exhibition requires a separate guided tour, which must be booked in advance on their website.
Evening
Final St. Petersburg night
Enjoy a farewell dinner at 'Palkin', one of the city's oldest and most prestigious restaurants, offering classic Russian haute cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Last nights in the city center.
The Fabergé Museum is relatively small. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Anichkov Palace or the Museum of Theatrical and Musical Art, which are less frequented.
Day 11 Budget: $160
12
Free Day & Local Life
A flexible day to revisit favorites, shop for souvenirs, or explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.
Morning
Option 1: New Holland Island
Visit this man-made island, now a fantastic urban park with lawns, temporary exhibitions, food stalls, and a beautifully restored brick building. It's a favorite spot for locals to relax.
Check their website for events and exhibition tickets if interested.
Lunch
Marketplace or 'Syr' (Cheese) on Karavannaya Street
Afternoon
Option 2: Shopping & Souvenirs
Browse for souvenirs: lacquer boxes, shawls, matryoshka dolls, and caviar. Check out the 'Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor' arcade, 'Souvenir Market' on Nevsky, or the designer boutiques in the 'Petropol' passage.
Evening
Option 3: Night at the Mariinsky
If you haven't already, book a last-night performance at the Mariinsky Theatre. Alternatively, a casual pub crawl along the bars on Rubinshteina Street.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nevsky Prospect (Mid-range hotel)
Flexible base for any chosen activity.
For a unique local experience, visit the 'Sennoy Rynok' (Hay Market) for fresh produce, or take a public boat tour along the lesser-known rivers like the Fontanka or Moika.
Day 12 Budget: $100
13
Veliky Novgorod: Medieval Rus
Veliky Novgorod (Day Trip from St. Petersburg)
A rewarding day trip to one of Russia's oldest cities, the birthplace of its democracy and orthodox culture.
Morning
Travel to Veliky Novgorod
Take an early high-speed train (Lastochka) from Moskovsky Station. The journey takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, head to the Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets) on the banks of the Volkhov River.
Book train tickets online via RZD. Trains are frequent.
Lunch
Gostevaya Izba inside the Kremlin
Afternoon
Novgorod Kremlin & St. Sophia Cathedral
Explore the peaceful Kremlin walls and grounds. Visit the magnificent 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral, the oldest in Russia. See the 'Millennium of Russia' monument. Then, cross the footbridge to the Yaroslav's Court and the ancient Market.
The main sights are within walking distance. Consider hiring a local guide at the tourist office for deeper historical context.
Evening
Return to St. Petersburg
Take an evening train back to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a simple, late dinner near your hotel.
If you have time, take a short taxi ride to the Museum of Wooden Architecture 'Vitoslavlitsy' to see traditional log houses and churches in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Day 13 Budget: $130
14
Departure & Final Impressions
Last-minute souvenir shopping, a final stroll along the canals, and departure from Pulkovo Airport.
Morning
Last walk & Souvenirs
Enjoy a final coffee and pastry at a cafe like 'Volkonsky'. Take a last stroll along the Moyka or Griboyedov Canal. Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
Lunch
Quick lunch at 'Pelmeniya' for a last taste of Siberian pelmeni.
Afternoon
Transfer to Pulkovo Airport
Check out of your hotel. Take a pre-booked taxi, the airport bus (K-39 from Moskovskaya metro), or the new 'Pulkovo Express' train from Baltiysky Station to the airport.
For taxis, use the Yandex.Taxi app for reliable, metered fares.
Evening
Departure
Check in for your international flight home, filled with memories of imperial palaces, excellent art, and the unique spirit of Russia.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
If your flight is late, you can leave luggage at lockers in Moskovsky or Leningradsky railway stations for a few hours to explore hands-free.
Day 14 Budget: $80
Practical Information
Getting Around
Within cities, the metro is fast, cheap, and an attraction itself. Use the 'Troika' card in Moscow and the 'Podorozhnik' card in St. Pete. For intercity travel, the high-speed Sapsan train between Moscow and St. Petersburg is essential. For day trips, use suburban trains (elektrichka), marshrutky (minibuses), or organized tours. Taxis via Yandex.Taxi app are affordable and reliable.
Book Ahead
**Important:** Kremlin & Armoury tickets (Moscow), Hermitage timed entry (St. Pete), Sapsan train tickets, Catherine Palace timed entry (Pushkin). Also recommended: Mariinsky Theatre tickets, Fabergé Museum tickets, and any special guided tours (e.g., Yusupov Palace Rasputin exhibition).
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones!), layers for variable weather (even in summer), a rain jacket or umbrella, a power adapter (Type C/F, 220V), photocopies of passport/visa, a phrasebook or translation app, and formal/casual smart attire for theatre or upscale restaurants.
Total Budget
$2100 - $3500 (for 14 days, excluding international flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in hostels or budget hotels further from the center. Use public transport exclusively. Eat at 'stolovaya' cafeterias, Teremok, and Moo-Moo. Focus on free sights: Red Square, church exteriors, city parks, and metro art. Skip some palace interiors and opt for park access only. Travel by overnight train (platskart) instead of Sapsan.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay in 5-star hotels like the Four Seasons (Moscow) or the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (St. Pete). Book private guided tours of the Hermitage and Kremlin. Dine at top restaurants like Turandot, Palkin, or Sixty. Use private car transfers. Book the best seats at the Bolshoi or Mariinsky. Consider a private canal boat tour in St. Pete.
Family-Friendly
Slow the pace; don't try to see every museum room. Focus on interactive sights: Moscow Metro tour, Museum of Cosmonautics, Peterhof fountains, the Kunstkamera. Choose hotels with family rooms or apartments. Include breaks in parks (Gorky Park, Summer Garden). Use river boat tours as relaxing transportation. Seek out 'chebureki' (fried meat pies) and blini for kid-friendly food.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Russia